Eric Hill Killed in Bicycle Collision in Richland, Washington – September 17, 2025

On the morning of September 17, 2025, Eric Hill, a 49-year-old Kennewick resident, was fatally struck by a vehicle while cycling in Richland, Washington. The collision occurred around 5:30 a.m. on Duportail Street near City View Drive. According to initial reports, Hill was traveling southbound, uphill toward the Queensgate area when he was hit from behind by a small car. He died at the scene. The driver remained at the location, called for emergency assistance, and was neither impaired nor arrested.

Eric Hill was a longtime microbiologist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he led work in the Microbial Cell Dynamics Laboratory. His scientific contributions included patents and research focused on environmental remediation. In addition to his career, Hill served as a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a father of eight. He is survived by his wife of 27 years and their children, ranging in age from 5 to 24. Authorities have not yet released further details regarding contributing factors in the crash.